AA Lock & Key Inc

1055 Colonel Ledyard Highway .  Ledyard, CT 06339  .  860-464-8664

www.aalockkey.com

 Newsletter                 KEY COMMUNICATIONS

June 2010
topWelcome Readers!
 
In this issue of Key Communications the topic is keyless entry locks. This type of lock is great for commercial use and are easily installed on residences.  See below for more information... 
 
As the top leader in providing quality security solutions in southeastern Connecticut and western Rhode Island, our goal is to provide cutting-edge tips for achieving the highest level of security for your business and home and keep you current with the newest in security tips and trends in the field of locksmithing. In this edition of Key Communications you will learn more about us and ways in which we can help you. 
 
Once again, we are including DIY Tips for our customers. The one below really can't be stressed enough...we all have done it at one time or another! Read more...
 
In our quest to keep abreast  of technology, Deb has completed a computer course at Three Rivers.  See more below... 
 
 
Below find Chapter 5 on how we started AA Lock & Key...
 
 
 securitySecurity Tips and Trends             
Keyless Entry Systems: Pushbutton Locks
 
The most basic type of "keyless entry" are pushbutton locks. These come in both residential and commercial grades and span a large price range. Commercial (ANSI Grade 1) locks are rated for much higher usage and longevity while residential grade locks are more suited to the  level of usage expected of a household. Quality difference is reflected in pricing. There are mechanical and electronic versions of both grades. Most have a key override as a backup in case of failure.
      
     All pushbutton locks offer users the following:
  • Protection against "key bumping" (a common lock bypass method) and lock pick attacks.
  • No fumbling for keys.
  • Not getting accidentally locked out of the house.
  • No lost keys, and having to change the locks when keys are lost.
  • Allowing guests and service people access, without fear of them making unauthorized duplicate keys.
Mechanical locks do not require batteries but are usually limited to a single pass code or combination. These locks are usually on the lower end of the price spectrum.

Electronic locks require power (usually batteries) but offer much more security possibilities including multiple pass codes, audit trails, one time usage codes and time zones. Many electronic locks can be programmed by software on a computer and the information uploaded and downloaded by various methods including the newest wireless networks.

So, the next time you need to replace or repair a lock, consider the advantages of a keyless entry lock and call our office for advice as to the best product for your application.
 
diyDIY Tips
Prevent Lock Damage 
We have all done it...inserted the key into the lock, and with arms full of stuff, pulled open the door with the key in the cylinder. 
Resist the temptation~put down your stuff and open the door the right way.  If you do pull open the door with the key, it puts unwanted stress on the pins and can cause lock failure.
debContinuing Education
    
    Deb Completes
   Computer Class
 
In an ongoing (and most times frustrating!) quest to learn new computer technology, Deb completed the coursework for Ribbons, Ribbons and More and Microsoft Word 2007 at Three Rivers Community College in March. This course has been helpful in learning techniques for efficiency in the office as well as the production of Key Communications
Our Contribution to the Industry
      Yankee Security Convention
                October 20-24th
 
Dave serves as Education Coordinator for the Yankee Security Convention, Inc., a not-for-profit trade organization dedicated to the further learning and industry awareness of locksmith professionals in the Northeast Region of the country. Dave and the Board have met monthly in Boston to firm up the classes offered at the convention to be held in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. At this time, show details, class offerings and other information pertaining to the convention are going to print. 
 
Check out the website - www.yankeesecurity.org
 
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OUR CEO
J. David Vessels
 
J. David Vessels, Chief Executive Officer, is  
 a Certified Professional Locksmith with the Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc. and is also a member of the Safe and Vault Technicians Association. 
 
Dave enjoys kayaking and fishing, especially on the coast of Maine.  He also likes to hike with Deb and their son Tom and girlfriend Cait, and daughter Vicky and boyfriend Ryan, as well as with the pups, Chica and Lola.

OUR
PRESIDENT 
Deborah Vessels
 
Deborah H. Vessels, our President, oversees the daily operations of the business.  Debbie worked for several years as the Administrative Assistant to the Mayor of Ledyard. She also has served as President of the Ledyard Middle School Parent Teacher Organization,  Ledyard High School Music Boosters and the LHS Drug & Alcohol Free All Night Graduation Party Committee.
 
Debbie enjoys spending time with her family and hiking with Dave and chihuahuas Chica and Lola. Deb enjoys flower gardening, birding and being outdoors. 
OUR  
LOCK TECHNICIAN
Bob Watrous 
Bob Watrous, has been with AA Lock & Key since 2002.  Bob is very proficient in all aspects of locksmithing.  Through on-the-job training, classes at the Yankee Security Convention and his natural mechanical ability, Bob provides
top notch security solutions to our customers. 
 
Bob is also well known for his friendly nature, honesty and integrity.  We are pleased to have him as a member of our team!
 
On weekends, you can find Bob playing drums for the local band, The Buzz.


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OUR
OFFICE MANAGER 
Kathy Crowell
Kathy Crowell has been with AA Lock & Key since 1989.  Kathy is most likely who you may hear on the other end of the phone when you call or see when you come to our office location.  Her excellent "people" skills are most valuable to us.  She handles our dispatch system, as well as our accounts receivables, payables and many of the myriad of things that come up on a daily basis here. 
 
Kathy enjoys her family, and especially delights in the company of her grandsons.
Testimonials

For over twenty years, AA Lock & Key has been my "Go-To" place for our business security needs. From key duplications to building re-keying, they do quality work. The staff (including office pets) is professional, friendly, and knowledgeable...and that's the "key"!  

 

 Roger Arnold - Chief Engineer, Hall Communications

                          WICH, WCTY, WNLC, and WKNL

In 1988, Deb and Dave were expecting their second child. Tom was 4 and a very active boy and loved to go with Dave on the road on weekends. Some Saturdays, Dave and Tom would be gone all day on jobs. By this time we had an answering service for after hours calls...it was well worth the money. Well, it was April 5th, Deb's birthday, and she was due any day. At about quarter of five, at the end of the day, the phone rang and one of our competitors from Groton called to say he was closing the doors to his business that day.He asked Dave if we would like to take over his telephones asap.Virtually we would get all his calls if he callforwarded his phones.Well, duh, this would bring us more business and the only outlay of funds would be the phone bill and yellow pages cost.We decided it was a no brainer-which looking back, we had none!  Instead of going out to dinner to celebrate Deb's birthday, we stayed home and Deb cried! How would we manage with Dave working 60+ hours a week, a 4 year old and a new baby due any minute??!!  ...to be continued...

 

For previous chapters...see archived newsletters

About Us
 
As you may know, AA Lock & Key, Inc. was established in 1986.  Our mission is to provide high quality security solutions to commercial, industrial, municipal and residential clients.  You may see more about AA Lock & Key, Inc, by visiting our website at www.aalockkey.com.
 
Remember...
 
You can always reach us personally by phone at 860-464-8664, from 8:30 am through 5 pm, weekdays. You will never get an answering service or machine during these hours. We hope you find this information helpful and look forward to hearing from you soon! We welcome your input about our E newsletter. Drop us a note at AALK@aol.com !
 
Yours in safety and security,
AA Lock & Key, Inc.                             
 KEY COMMUNICATIONS
 
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